From the beginning, a ‘more than profit’ approach has been central to the direction and development of River Cottage. It means that as we strive to be a successful commercial business we also have a fundamental objective to do more than make a financial return.
We use our brand and assets to support causes we believe in and work with organisations who share our values. We endeavour to promote sustainability – environmental, social and economic – and support campaigns for change. Not just our own like Chicken Out and Fishfight but others where we hope our voice can help make a difference.
Over the years, we have worked with charities and other groups close to the hearts of Hugh and the team, both within the local community and further afield. Most recently, we have chosen to focus on Project Food (formerly know as HALFF) and in addition, we support Surfers Against Sewage. You can find out more about these below
Project Food (previously known as HALFF)
Project Food delivers cookery sessions for disadvantaged children, individuals and families as well as older people with heart disease or diabetes. Good food is essential. Their sessions are focused on more than just cooking, they also increase awareness of seasonality, nutrition, local food produce, through to life skills and team work for youth clubs / schools or improving and maintaining health for those with health concerns. They work around East Devon, South Somerset and West Dorset, and respond to the needs of these communities.
Food education can improve health outcomes. Children are currently facing an epidemic of environment led diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. Their fun sessions reach out to children at a very sensitive and influential time of their lives; where building healthy relationship with food could change their health now and in the future.
Find out more about Project Food >
Surfers Against Sewage
Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) is an environmental charity protecting the UK’s oceans, waves and beaches for all to enjoy safely and sustainably, via community action, campaigning, volunteering, conservation, education and scientific research.
SAS projects target coastal environmental issues including marine litter, sewage pollution, climate change, toxic chemicals, shipping, industry and coastal development.
SAS aim to create measurable improvements in the state of our oceans, waves and beaches through changes in public behaviour, government policy and industry practices. The charity’s objectives are:
1) To undertake and promote for the benefit of the public the conservation, protection, improvement and ecologically sustainable management of the marine environment including associated land, shoreline and structures.
2) To advance the education of the public in the conservation, protection, improvement and ecologically sustainable management of the marine environment including associated land, shoreline and structures.